Page 164 - CW E-Magazine (10-10-2023)

News from Abroad

EXPANSION

Wacker expands speciality silicone production in China

German chemicals major, Wacker global silicone business. Expanding
Chemie, is investing around Euro capacity in Zhangjiagang, he pointed
150-mn to expand its speciality silicone out, is a logical next step in the Group’s
manufacturing capacities in China. strategy of continuing to make specia-
lity silicones a bigger part of its product
At its Zhangjiagang site in Jiangsu portfolio.
Province, the company has started con-
struction of several new production Silicone emulsions and elastomer
lines to manufacture functional silicone gels from Wacker are typically used
fluids, silicone emulsions and silicone production facilities and our expanded in textile, cosmetic and personal-care
elastomer gels. The project has already research and development activities on applications, including skin creams,
received all necessary permits from site will do more than just strengthen shampoos and fabric softeners. Here
local authorities. The new facilities are our presence in China – they also un- they keep makeup from staining cloth-
scheduled to come on stream in the derscore our determination to offer ing, reduce the negative impact that
second half of 2025. even better service to our customers in contact with water has on sunscreen
China and the Asia-Pacific region going protection, and allow moisturisers and
“This expansion project is our larg- forward,” he added. night creams to remain pleasantly silky
est single investment in Zhangjiagang soft. Functional silicone fluids, on the
since the site was officially commis- “Silicone fluids, emulsions and other hand, are important starting mate-
sioned in 2010,” said Mr. Alvin Hu, gels are used in many kinds of applica- rials for industrial applications such as
President of Wacker China. Demand tions today, which is why we anticipate impregnating or release agents. Other
from customers in China is growing growth to continue,” said Mr. Christian applications for silicone fluids include
steadily, he added, especially for inno- Kirsten, the Wacker Executive Board their use as additives for construction,
vative speciality silicones. “The new member responsible for the Group’s paper, paints and coatings.

GROWING PRESENCE
Covestro starts work on first phase of new TPU

production site in China

German polymer major, Covestro, The final phase is expected to be com- forces the company’s position as “one
has broken ground on its new Thermo- pleted in 2033. Once completed, the site of the leading global suppliers of TPU
plastic Polyurethanes (TPU) produc- will span across 45,000 square metres. and puts us right where important value
tion site in Zhuhai, China. With its potential maximum capacity of chains are”.
up to 120,000-tons it will then also be
The new site – the plans for which Covestro’s largest TPU site worldwide. Ms. Lisa Ketelsen, Head of TPU in
was first announced in February this APAC at Covestro, added, “As Guang-
year – will be built in three phases and TPU is a versatile plastic material dong province is a major hub for the
is expected to achieve up to a maximum used in a variety of applications such as IT, consumer electronics, footwear and
annual production capacity of 120,000 sports shoes, IT devices such as swee- other industries, we believe that locat-
tons of TPU after the final phase of pers, smart speakers, phone cases, auto ing our production in close proximity
expansion. The mechanical completion motive applications like paint protec- enables us to collaborate optimally.
of the first phase, involving an initial tion film or for the protection of wind To underline that, an innovation cen-
investment in the “mid double-digit turbine blades. tre will be part of the next phase of our
million Euro range” – is estimated for investment, enabling our researchers to
2025. This will lead to a production Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, Head of design customised material formulas
capacity of about 30,000-tons per year. TPU at Covestro, said the new site rein- and do formula adjustments to meet

164 Chemical Weekly October 10, 2023

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